FAQs from Prospective Visiting Scholars

How do I apply to become a visiting scholar?

An individual who wishes to apply for visiting scholar status in the Philosophy Department should email the following to Sondra Morishima at smm520@nyu.edu:

his or her CV, which should include date of birth, permanent apress, telephone number, and list of all academic degrees including dates when they were conferred and names of the conferring institutions

a brief statement of the research project he or she intends to pursue while visiting

the dates he or she wishes to visit

the name of a faculty member he or she would like to sponsor the scholar’s visit (every visiting scholar needs a faculty sponsor)

a sample of philosophical writing

proof of financial support (International scholars only)

Please note, we are able to take a limited number of visiting scholars, and typically receive many more requests than it is possible to accommodate.

What if I have not completed my PhD program?

Sorry, you are not eligible for visiting scholar status.

Is there a deadline for applying?

Applications are accepted year round. However, the department tries to make all acceptance decisions well in advance of the start of the academic year, so we recommend submitting your application as early as possible in the academic year prior to the year of your proposed visit. Please note, a minimum of three months’ notice is necessary for all international applications to be reviewed and approved.

How long can I visit?

The period of your visit cannot exceed 12 months.

What does being a sponsored visiting scholar get me?

You will have the official status of a visiting scholar and will be given an NYU ID card, email apress, and library access. Also, you’ll be able to participate in seminars at the discretion of the instructors and to participate in departmental life - receptions, colloquia, etc.

Is financial support available?

There is no financial support available, and when applying for the visiting scholar program, all international applicants must be able to show proof of financial support. The minimum amount required is $2,000 in US dollars per month for personal living, in addition to proof of health insurance coverage. Without proof of existing coverage, you must purchase the University's student insurance. Please visit the Student Health Services website for comprehensive information on NYU’s insurance plans and the process of waiving NYU’s insurance if you maintain your own plan: http://www.nyu.edu/shc/about/insurance.html.

How about an office?

Unfortunately no. However, there are a few open public spaces in the department where people can work, and visiting scholars do make good use of them.

What about visas?

Visiting scholars who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. must go through the Office of International Scholar Services (OISS) in order to obtain an appropriate visa. If we accept you as a visiting scholar, we will help you with this process.

How about help with housing?

Unfortunately no. Visiting scholars are responsible for finding their own housing. Shared apartments may be found through craigslist, and NYU has an off-campus housing office.

Where can I learn about university activities, living in NY, and so on?